Microwave-Assisted Michael Addition of Sulfonamides to α,β-Unsaturated Esters: A Rapid Entry to Protected β-Amino Acid Synthesis

An efficient, clean and very simple procedure for the synthesis of protected β-amino acids is described. Michael addition of sulfonamides to α,β-unsaturated esters in the presence of K2CO3 and tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) under microwave irradiation affords the title compounds in good to high yields and short reaction times. This new method affords protected β- amino acids in high yields and short reaction times